Laserium scaled back, while Dryer kept working with lasers and Laserium projects. It had run for 28 years - the longest running theatrical attraction in Los Angeles, and the longest-running laser show in the world.Īs new technologies such as bright, large, hi-def video screens and computer graphics improved, classic laser shows with their lo-res wireframe images fell out of favor. Laserium’s last show there was January 5, 2002. In 2002, the Griffith Observatory planetarium was to be closed for renovations.
At its peak, Laser Images had 70 employees. The shows were seen by over 20 million people. Dryer’s company, Laser Images Inc., went on to do laser shows in 46 planetariums and locations in other cities as well. Four weeks later, 500 people a night were being turned away. Three years later, Dryer and Garmire put together a demonstration at Caltech, using a 1-watt krypton laser, This time the new head of the Griffith gave an OK for a one-month test at the planetarium. They were turned down - both by the Griffith and by banks. Dryer and Garmire approached the Griffith with a proposal for a live show to be called “Laserium”. They did not have the vibrant scintillating coherent speckle of live laser light. This became the short film LaserImage.įilmed lasers, however, were flat. In late 1970 he collaborated with Caltech physicist Elsa Garmire, to film laser light patterns she had created.
When Ivan Dryer was 20, he joined the Griffith Observatory and Planetarium in Los Angeles as an astronomer. His selection by ILDA as recipient of the first Career Achievement Award underscores his unique place in the history of laser displays.” His CAA citation includes this: “Dryer is universally recognized as the father of the laser show industry. The company won 43 ILDA Awards for artistic and technical excellence, in the years between 19.Ī 2002 newspaper article summed up how laserists felt about him: “Dryer appears to be universally regarded with awe and respect.”ĭryer received the first ILDA Career Achievement Award, in 1989. Laser Images was host of the 1991 ILDA Conference, held in Los Angeles. He was a founding Member of the association, served on the Board from 1990 to 1994, and was ILDA President from 1990 to 1992.
Within ILDA, Dryer was known for his quiet, thoughtful and kind demeanor. Dryer’s example helped inspire these Members to get into the business, and often to found their own laser display companies. Many older ILDA Members had their first exposure to laser displays at a planetarium running Laserium shows. In recognition of his achievements, the ILDA Board of Directors in early 2017 declared March 7 of each year to be International Laserist Day - a day for recognizing the people and companies who design spectacular laser shows and laser art, throughout the world. Ivan Dryer, pioneering laser artist and founder of Laserium® planetarium shows, was born on March 7, 1939. Laserium® Laserist: Greatest Job on Earth.Restrictions on Individual, Hobbyist & Student Members.Member & Event Management (MEM) website.
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